University to revise assault policies

Share via e-mail

MISSOULA, Mont. — Federal officials reached agreements with the University of Montana after a yearlong investigation of mishandled sexual assault reports on campus. The deal requires the school to revise policies and adequately respond to allegations, federal officials said Thursday.

Investigators heard from women who were assaulted then unfairly belittled, disbelieved, or blamed for speaking up about what was done to them, said Justice Department Deputy Assistant Attorney General Roy Austin Jr.

The inquiry began after 11 assaults involving university students were reported over 18 months. US attorneys had said they would also look at sexual assaults reported across Missoula over three years.